25
Sep 2009
Out & About: More Mystery Flowers on the Amalfi Coast
The last time I posted a photo of some mystery flowers here on Ciao Amalfi several of my lovely readers quickly came to the rescue with the name of the flowers (Bottle Brush) and some great stories. Welcome to round two!
The other day I was dashing through the gardens at the Villa Rufolo when these strange red flowers stopped me in my tracks. As you can see, they are growing from one very large bulb. (Click on the image to view it larger.) Any ideas what these are called in English or Italian?
Grazie!
Scintilla @ Bell'Avventura
You have me stumped! At first glance I thought that they were some kind of sedum but you say they are bulbs. Belladonna leaves die before it flowers but the flowers don't look similar. What else flowers in Autumn? Boh!
Laura
Ciao Scintilla! Well, if I've stumped you then I don't feel bad not knowing this one. 🙂 I don't know the names of all that many flowers, but I know when I've seen them before. This one is new to me! It made me think of an amarylis, but that was mostly due to the color and the fact that it was a bulb. The flowers are different. Mystery… let's hope another reader knows! 🙂
Anne in Oxfordshire
New to me too, it resembles more of a cactus type plant..sorry no help either 🙁
*Ulrike*
At least it has pretty flowers! There are some things that show up out of nowhere after a long drought or a heavy rain. Since I'm here in Georgia I can honestly say I have never seen anything like it. It is pretty though. Enjoyed your photos!
KC
I've seen that before, but I have no idea what it is. I also thought it was a succulent. I hope someone knows the answer!
Laura
Ciao Anne! You're right, it does. Everyone likes a good mystery! 🙂
Ciao Ulrike! Thanks for stopping by! Yes, this mystery plant does have pretty flowers. That's what grabbed my attention to begin with. We've certainly had both a long dry summer and a lot of rain recently. I wish these sort of things showed up in my garden instead of the crazy things that do! 🙂 Happy gardening to you in Georgia!
Ciao KC! Hum, so it must be something that likes it here in Campania. I hope someone knows what it's called as well!
Peter @ italyMONDO!
You stumped me, Fil and everyone here, too! :- Did you get an answer yet?
Laura
Ciao Peter! No, no answer yet. I asked my boyfriend, and he was there yesterday with a Japanese group that noticed the flowers and commented that they were Japanese. Hummmmm… more mysteries! 🙂
Homask
Hello. It is Haemanthus coccineus or Blood Lily. It comes from South Africa. More info:
http://www.plantzafrica.com/planthij/haemancoc.htm
Kim.
Laura
Ciao Kim! That's it! Thanks so much for answering the question for all of us. It's a beautiful flower, and interesting that the flowers come up before the leaves. Thanks for sharing!
Scintilla @ Bell'Avventura
Glad to know that its African. It will grow in my garden then.
Fancy bringing a gardening trowel with you next time and taking a sample? lol just kidding!
Anne in Oxfordshire
Hi Laura..good that someone could identify the plant…I just looked up the name that the person gave, the photos I found weren't like yours…oh there could be different varieties I suppose.
Laura
Ciao Scintilla! Hah! Would that be classified as filching or pilfering? 🙂 I think I had better just see if L. can ask the gardener next time he's there.
Ciao Anne! I didn't find the right flower under Blood Lily, but when I searched for "Haemanthus coccineus" it is spot on. I meant to include that in my comment. Thanks!!
Homask
You're very welcome, Laura. It wouldn't be kosher to filch a bulb, but most people would happily share seeds. Bulbs are pretty easy from seed. The only challenge is waiting a few years for the bulbs to become large enough to bloom. On the other hand, time passes so quickly when you live in such a beautiful place. Kim.
Laura
Ciao Kim! You're right about filching bulbs. 🙂 But the seeds idea is interesting. I'll have to check into that. Thanks again!
Phyllis
Can you grow roses in your area? I’d love to hear anything you have to say on roses along the Amalfi Coast
Laura
Hi Phyllis, I have four rose plants in my garden and they’re quite happy even though I know little about how to take care of them. While not the most common plants along the Amalfi Coast, you do see a lot of roses in private gardens. Wish I could provide more info, but that’s about all I know! 🙂